- Arkheron playtest access is handled through FirstLook signups plus Steam Playtest, Xbox Insider Hub, and PlayStation registration.
- The Crossplay Beta ran Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 11:59PM PDT across PC and console.
- Endless Spires is the flagship mode: a 3-player, classless extraction-style PvP climb up a loot-filled tower.
- Relics of the Eternals let you build your kit on the fly; collect all four pieces of one Eternal to transform.
- Once you're in a playtest, you keep access for all future tests.
What Is the Arkheron Playtest?
Arkheron is a fast-paced, squad-based action PvP game from Bonfire Studios, a team founded by former World of Warcraft lead designer Rob Pardo. The Arkheron playtest program gives players early hands-on access through closed betas, tech tests, and limited Crossplay Beta weekends on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation — with full crossplay queueing between PC and console.
The core mode, Endless Spires, drops teams of three into a massive tower filled with monsters, loot, and rival squads. You enter completely classless: no abilities, no skills, nothing carried in. Your build is forged entirely from what you scavenge.
Video Highlights:
- Bonfire Studios was founded by WoW's former lead designer, and that pedigree shows in the polish
- Relics of shattered heroes called Eternals grant abilities; full sets let you transform
- Beacons lift surviving teams between floors while culling the lobby battle-royale style
- Fast pacing avoids the long-loot-then-instantly-die problem of extraction games
Each floor is deliberately short. You will never have time to loot every chest — the game funnels you toward beacons and fights, keeping every match moving.
How to Join the Playtest on Every Platform
Arkheron uses FirstLook to manage signups, key distribution, and player communication for the Arkheron playtest. Invites go out in waves, and access is permanent once granted — if you played the Closed Beta or a Tech Test, simply update to the newest build and jump in.
| Platform | How to Join | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Sign up via FirstLook or request access through Steam Playtest in the Steam app | Both waitlists receive invites at the same time |
| Xbox | Join through the Xbox Insider Hub app under Previews, or sign up via FirstLook | Check whether Arkheron is listed in Previews |
| PlayStation | Sign up through the official FirstLook form | Redeem your code once your invite lands |
Pick Your Platform
Choose Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation and locate the official signup channel listed above. Avoid third-party key sellers — there are none.
Connect Your Account
Link your platform account through FirstLook so keys and invites deliver correctly.
Redeem Your Invite
Once your invite arrives, redeem the code. Access carries over to all future playtests automatically.
Bring Your Crew
Steam signups get extra friend invites for Steam; FirstLook users get cross-platform invites via their dashboard.
Matched regional times during the Crossplay Beta targeted Europe, North America, and South America. If you're outside these regions, watch the official channels for expansion news before assuming you can queue.
Crossplay Beta Schedule & Modes
The Crossplay Beta ran for three full days — Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026 — with regional start times and a hard end at 11:59PM PDT on Sunday.
| Region | Beta Start | Endless Spires Start |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 5PM BST / 6PM CEST | 6:00PM BST / 7:00PM CEST |
| South America | 6PM AST / 7PM BRT | 7:00PM AST / 8:00PM BRT |
| North America | 3PM PDT / 6PM EDT | 4:00PM PDT / 7:00PM EDT |
Not everything was time-gated. The tutorial, training room, and bot modes ran 24/7 all weekend, giving new players a low-pressure space to learn mechanics, test the Eternals, and experiment with loadouts before jumping into live PvP.
The Crossplay Beta carried no content embargo. Players were encouraged to stream, clip, and share gameplay — and creators could apply to the official Creator Program.
Core Mechanics: Relics, Eternals & Builds
The heart of Arkheron's gameplay is on-the-fly building. Scattered throughout the tower are relics — weapons and armor pieces belonging to shattered heroes called Eternals. Each character equips two weapons and two accessories, and every relic you pick up adds or changes an ability.
| Build Component | What It Does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon relic | Grants a quick attack and a charged attack | Bow for ranged, sword for melee |
| Accessory relic | Adds utility or defensive power | Wall-placing control item |
| 2-piece Eternal set | Unlocks set bonuses | Passive stat or ability boost |
| Full 4-piece set | Transform into the Eternal | Extra ability from the hero's full kit |
Ranged / Control
- Long-range poke with a bow
- Wall ability to split enemy teams
- Pairs well with melee allies
Melee / Dive
- Talon-style jump-in combos
- High risk, high reward
- Strong for 1v2 clutches and revives
Support / Defense
- Healing and protective relics
- Wall off incoming divers
- Upgrade teammates' duplicate gear
Recognizing what a relic does the moment you see it is a massive advantage. Players who instantly know a staff is ranged — and which defensive piece combos with it — build faster and smarter than teams looting blind.
Endless Spires Match Flow & Winning Tips
A match plays out like a vertical battle royale. Teams loot, complete objectives, and fight toward beacons that lift survivors to the next floor — while the tower's closing zones thin the herd. Only one squad reaches the top.
Loot Fast, Commit Faster
Grab a weapon early and commit to a rough role. Don't waste floor time hunting a perfect drop.
Share With Your Team
Duplicate items upgrade your teammates' gear instead of cluttering yours. Toss spares to build the squad.
Fight at the Beacons
Beacon transitions force encounters. Position before the timer, not during it.
Balance the Comp
All-ranged or all-melee squads get walled and routed. Mix roles as relics allow.
Playtest Preparation Checklist:
- Complete the tutorial and training room before queuing PvP
- Learn what each weapon relic type does in bot mode
- Memorize at least one Eternal's four relic pieces
- Practice wall placement for splitting enemy teams
- Queue with a full trio using friend invites
FAQ
Q: How do I get into the Arkheron playtest?
Sign up through FirstLook for your chosen platform, or request access directly via Steam Playtest in the Steam app. Xbox players can also check the Xbox Insider Hub under Previews. Invites go out in waves, and once you're in, you keep access for all future playtests.
Q: Can I invite friends to the Arkheron playtest?
Yes. Steam signups receive additional friend invites for Steam players, and FirstLook users get cross-platform invites through their dashboard. Arkheron is built around trio play, so bringing a crew is encouraged.
Q: Do I keep access after one playtest weekend?
Yes. If you played during the Closed Beta or any Tech Test, you simply update to the newest build and jump in — access persists across future playtests.
Q: Can I stream or post gameplay from the playtest?
The Crossplay Beta had no NDA or embargo. Players were encouraged to share footage on their own channels or the official Discord, and content creators could apply to the Creator Program.